The Witches and a Battle

• What natural phenomena occur at the beginning of the play "Macbeth"?

  Thunder and lightning
• Who leads the Scottish army in the battle against the rebel armies?

  Macbeth and Banquo
• How does Shakespeare contrast the opening scene with the battlefield?


  He contrasts the eerie opening with the brutality and "bloody execution" of the battlefield
• What mood does the brutality of the battlefield set for the rest of the play?

  A violent mood
• How is Macbeth described at the start of the play?

  He is celebrated for his bloodthirsty nature
• What is ironic about Macbeth's violent nature?

  His violence eventually leads to his downfall
• What specific act of violence does Macbeth commit against Macdonald?

  He cuts him "from the nave to the chops"
• How do the Captain and Duncan describe Macbeth?

  As "brave" and "valiant"
• What does the theme of "Reality and Appearances" suggest about Macbeth?

  That he might not be as good as other characters believe
• What phrase do the Witches use that relates to the theme of "Reality and Appearances"?

  "Fair is foul"
• Why is the audience's view of Macbeth based on what other characters say?

  Because the audience hasn't met Macbeth yet
• What does Macbeth's act of cutting off the traitor's head foreshadow?

  His own death at the end